[Woodstock]

UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Seeking suggestions, criticisms, encouragement, PRAYERS!!!

I am a newbie –first pet – first beagle!!!

We have a baby girl – 7 weeks old. I was very naïve and ignorant and “Googled” too late! Our pup came from hunting stock as the "breeder" put it. My first experience with the puppy mill mentality… WHOA!

We left disgusted and devastated. I understand I have quite a bit of work ahead of me to make this hunter a house pet?

 

[Woodstock]

Thanks
Snoopy's Buddy - Woodstock

 

[conniew]

Lots and Lots of love and TIME!! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/soapbox.gif

puppies take lots of time and PATIENCE! The work you have ahead of you is because you have adopted a puppy, not where she came from, in my opinion.

I think all puppies chew up things they shouldn't and have accidents where they shouldn't.

Puppy-proof your home, take her outside ALL the time (your new hobby) and be patient.
congratulations on your new puppy--Beagles are the best!! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/whistle.gif

 

[jassy]

Hi, Your situation sounds much like mine was. First puppy, I didn't do my research on the breed. The first few months were a shock. I got lots of help and encouragement here. I also enrolled Maggie in a puppy socialization class through my vet and then when she was old enough we started obedience. Maggie is almost two and is a great dog. She still has what I call her "devil dog" glint in her eyes sometimes and I hope she never completely loses that but she responds well to basic commands, knows quite a few "tricks" and has become a great companion. Ask for advice here on specific issues and you will get lots of help from experienced people. Most important keep your sense of humor.
Maggie has added so much to our family and I hope your baby will do the same for you.

 

[beaglenut]

Hi there, we got our Bonnie from a guy in Tiverton, RI that keep hunting dogs, my husband had this strange idea that I would let him take Boo out into the woods to run free - duh! She has turned out to be the sweetest most gentle dog that I have ever come in contact with. She definately has all the usual beagle traits, but the only thing she wants to hunt is her cuddly toys to present to all visiters!
I agree with Taurus Mom, its just the usual work in having a puppy, not where she came from. Good luck and enjoy, you're going to have alot of fun!!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Welcome to the pack . You got good advice here already - be strong and patient!!!

 

[Murphys Dad]

Howdy Welcome to Beagle World. No advice on puppies, all my dogs have been adult rescues but you have to understand the beagle breed to train them. Beagles were bred to be independant thinkers. The were NOT bred like herding dogs to mindlessly follow their master commands. A beagle will evaluate a command as a request before deciding whether or not to comply with the request /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek.gif That is where the patience comes in but treats and praise do work. Beagles were also bred to be pack members and beagles accept humans as fellow pack members. This said, beagles don't really like to be alone and you will have to pay extra attention reducing their anxiety when separated from their pack (you). The benefit is that as a beagle grows up and the typical puppy problems are resolved you get a very loving forever young friend for their lives.

 

[angelaH]

A big welcome to BW. Hold in there and you'll have a wonderful companion. Beagles are a lot of work but so are all pups. If you have any specific questions then fire ahead, there are loads of people on here who can help you.

 

[Toby & Lucky]

I am another one who hasn't been through the puppy stage, but I can tell you that you will get a lot of support here at BW. Hang in there! Even getting adult dogs, it still takes time, patience and a lot of love before everything runs smoothly!! Of course, we still have our days...LOL!!!

Welcome to you and your baby girl!

 

[Murphys Dad]

to BW!



As you will see below, you have a long, wonderful road ahead of you! Have fun exploring our "discussion" topics where you will find lots of help -- if you're in a panic, just post and someone will be along to help you out!

 

[brandyb]

Your puppy will require lots of patience from you but you also need to make the rules of the house very clear. Take your pup outside a lot and praise her when she pottys outside. When she has an accident in the house just take her immediatly outside so she knows where to right place to go is. Also, when she chews on something that she shouldn't, take that object away and give her a doggy chew toy. I also recommend Bitter Apple spray. It's a chewing deterant and tastes awful. Spray it on things like TV or computer cords. (I learned the hard way and lost a printer cable) But be careful not to get it on your hands, it tastes terrible to humans too. You can also read the Puppies For Dummies book. Oh, and make sure that your yard is completely fenced with no way to escape. Beagles will follow their nose anywhere.

Hang in there, it's totally worth it. You will love every good and rotten thing she ever does /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/soapbox.gif

 

[Murphys Dad]

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/help.gif My Li'l Girl is a rescue, too, so we didn't go through the puppy stage.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Hi and welcome to BW! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/help.gif You can train your baby girl to be the dog you want. You're working with a clean state. No matter what the breed, puppies are a lot of work. A LOT!!! Just stay patient and be consistent. Set clear boundaries of what is and is not acceptable for your girl (what's her name!?). She's going to chew stuff and have accidents...it's bound to happen. Pick up anything and everything you don't want chewed and move it at least two feet off the ground. I lived with my ironing board up for the first six months I had Jersey. It was a safe place high out of Beagle reach. Even if you don't think she'll chew it, move it. Jersey never ceased to amaze me at what she thought made a good chew toy. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thsmiley_fistshake.gif

Start puppy training classes as soon as you can. They usually have to have their last round of shots, but check with the facility you're going to use to be sure. The sooner you start training, the better. I noticed a difference within the first week of classes. Jersey started to see who was in charge. It's not as bad as you think right now. Trust me. Jersey was evil as a puppy. /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eyes.gif I cried many, many times at the things she did as a pup. Now, she's my girl and I don't know what I would do without her. It took a lot of hard work but I have one awesome dog now.

And when it gets bad, just come and visit here! We'll talk you down.

 

[Zookeeper]

Yep, all puppies are work, but the work is SO worth it in the end. All of our dogs came to us as pups, but I have to admit the labs were easier to train than Duke. But, Duke's cute personality more than makes up for the extra training we gave him. Now that he's a year old, we are finally seeing the light at the end of the puppy tunnel. Oh, and we did research the breed beforehand, but knew that a beagle was exactly what we wanted and that Duke would turn into a wonderful friend and a great addition to our family, and he is. Your baby will get there, too.

Like others have said, start puppy school as soon as you can. It makes a huge difference and the pups love it! And I strongly second the bitter apple suggestion. Had I used it sooner, it would have saved me a lot of grief.

 

[Brisen]

Welcome!! I'm going through the puppy stage right now myself, so the most I have to offer as far as advice is patience, patience, patience.

You've already been given some great advice, but don't hesitate to post any questions or problems you come across. This is a GREAT site with lot's of support and information!

 

[7beaglelady]

/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/help.gif to BW.
I always compare puppies with babies...they take just has much time for the first few months, then it starts getting better and better!! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/crazy.gif
Does your puppy have a name yet?

 

[Murphys Dad]

Welcome to the BW pack!

Hunting stock or show stock, Beagles are and always will be independent thinkers (as was stated). Some call the stupid because they are considered hard to train, quite the contrary. They are a handful because they are smart.

Obedience training, patience, consistency, and commitment from you, and you both will do just fine.

We are here to help.

 

[Drewmangroup]

We didn't do our homework either when we got Scout. Got her too young from a backyard breeder. We had no idea. Anyway it was tough, trying to get her to eat, but was good with potty training. She is 10 months now and if very nice to people (learning to sit when petted). She does bark a bit at things outside the fence, but not much. She has a strange way of playing with other dogs. She wants to pull on their cheek for some reason. I think its ok as the other dogs don't seem to mind (at the dog park there was the other dog that went straight for the tails of dogs, so I guess its not that weird). She also has a play buddy that lays down when she is tired and Scout will lick her teeth.
The first 4-5 months were hard. Peeing in the crate while we were gone at work. I came home at lunch but sometimes she couldn't hold it. The crate came with a divider and I only made the crate bigger when she didn't pee for 3-4 days straight. Eventually the divder came out. I couldn't sit on the couch for a few months because she wanted to be right up on me. I couldn't play video games for the same reason. I could still watch TV though. She is in a bit of a chewing stage when she wants my attention. She knows what not to chew on so she will go for that . We have ahd a few pillows for her to lay on, they have ended in holes. She even got clever and would take a toy to her bed and chew on the toy. Then she would stop chewing on the toy and start on the bed right underneath the toy.